The Al Shira’aaHickstead Derby is a unique test of horse and rider in the showjumping arena. Combining traditional showjumps with the challenges of Hickstead’s ‘natural’ obstacles, it takes a very special partnership to win this class.
The iconic Hickstead Derby Bank is one of the biggest challenges on the course and while some partnerships can make it look (fairly) easy, others get to the top of the 10ft 6in descent and appear unsure how to tackle it.
“Forget about the 28 fences that Grand National runners have to leap over at Aintree, these are child’s play when compared to Hickstead’s monsters!” Clare Balding once said about the Hickstead Derby course.
Over the years horses have jumped straight off the top, refused to descend or even gone down backwards. So here are a selection of less-than-copybook attempts from the Horse & Hound picture archives.
1990: Greg Mangan and Lahorna Queen
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
1992: Tina Fletcher
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
2002: Jans Fredricson and Greve Molke
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
2003: Scott Smith and Amandaleah
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
2006: Carlos Mota Ribas and Rebbel
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
2012: Guy Williams and Richi Rich III
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
2012: Ben Maher and Air Force HH
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
2013: Charles Luyckx and Lightning 67
"Charles LUYCKX ,RSA, riding LIGHTNING 67"in The British Jumping Derby at The British FALL FALLS Jumping Derby Meeting at Hickstead on 22 June 2013
(Image credit: Peter Nixon)
2014: Wendy Schaeffer AUS riding Koyuna Sun Set
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
1976: Axel Wockener riding Glasgow
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
Keep in touch with all the action during the show on HorseandHound.co.uk and don’t miss the full Hickstead Derby Meeting report in the 27 June issue of Horse & Hound magazine
Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now
Horse & Hound Newsletter
Never miss out on the latest happenings in the equestrian world
Carol is an experienced journalist and editor, who is also a passionate amateur rider and dedicated horse owner, having ridden since childhood. She has a particular interest in the emotional well-being and ethical training of horses, alongside veterinary matters, having garnered extensive first-hand experience of numerous equine health conditions through more than 30 years of horse ownership.
